2024 Skyscraper Competition
Third Place
Mohammed Noeman Coutry, AbdelRahman Mahmoud Badawy, Toka Hassan Taman, Amr Khaled Mahmoud AbdElsstar, Hend Mahmoud Hassan Rashad, Menna Tallah Mahmoud Fouad, Mohamed Mahfouz Abdelaziz Abdelwadoud, Nagwa Khaled Mohamed Mohamed, Norhan Mohammed Abdel-Hamid Abdel-monem, Omar Ahmed Salah Mohamed
Egypt
Our oceans face a double threat: rising CO2 levels and the devastation of coral reefs. These issues are intricately linked. CO2 dissolving in the water creates carbonic acid, leading to ocean acidification. This acidification weakens coral skeletons and delays their growth and survival. Coral reefs, teeming with marine life, are essential for the health of our oceans. The Ocean Lungs project tackles both problems simultaneously, offering a glimmer of hope for the future of our marine environment.
Ocean Lungs envisioned as a skyscraper positioned 1000 meters beneath the surface with a floating beacon above, embodies a lifeline for the ocean. At its core, the project harnesses state-of-the-art carbon capture technology. Imagine submerged, sphere-shaped segments enveloped in specialized membranes like high-performance, microporous sulfonated polyphenylsulfone (sPPS). These membranes allow CO2 to pass through while remaining impermeable to salt and other minerals, functioning as the ocean’s purifier by removing CO2 and other pollutants. This initiative directly confronts the root cause of acidification, promoting healthier marine environments crucial for the survival and prosperity of oceanic life.
Integral to Ocean Lungs is not just CO2 capture, but the creation of a vibrant artificial coral reef. The core structure, constructed from eco-friendly concrete infused with aragonite (a key component of coral skeletons), serves as a foundation for cultivating a diverse array of coral species. This sanctuary emulates the structural complexity and biodiversity of natural reefs, providing a haven for diverse marine life and encouraging the growth of resilient coral types. This enhances the ecological resilience of marine habitats, fostering a thriving ecosystem within the project itself.
Sustainability is paramount. The upper portion of the Ocean Lungs utilizes materials that serve a dual purpose. High-efficiency photovoltaic cells clad the upper segment, harnessing solar energy. Additionally, renewable energy sources like tidal and ocean thermal conversion power the project. This ensures a clean and self-sustaining system with a minimal ecological footprint.
At the heart of the project lies a commitment to scientific exploration and understanding. The tower serves as a platform for continuous monitoring of the marine ecosystem, granting researchers unprecedented access to real-time data on water quality, marine behavior, and the health of the artificial reef.
Ocean Lungs is not just a singular architectural feat but a scalable model with the potential for global implementation. By actively combating CO2 rise, fostering coral reef revival, and empowering scientific research, Ocean Lungs face the threats of acidification and biodiversity loss. Through its visionary approach, the project aspires to inspire a future where human intervention actively contributes to the healing and thriving of marine ecosystems. This is where innovation meets conservation, breathing life back into the oceans.
